Drive wisely, safely whether on base, not

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Yves Daos
  • 60th Security Forces Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  If an accident were to occur on base or you witness a traffic accident, you are required to report the incident, in accordance with Travis Air Force Base, California, Instruction 31-103.

Active-duty personnel are obligated to immediately report any off-base accidents to the 60th Security Forces Squadron if the accident involves severe injuries to military personnel or damage to military property.

During the past few weeks, we have seen an alarming increase in motor vehicle accidents involving Golden Bears in and around the Travis community. We are concerned about this spike in collisions and need to address this troubling issue. Our goal is to increase situational awareness for all drivers entering the installation. 

During our investigations, we have found each accident occurred under its own unique circumstance with no related common contributing factors. Essentially, most accidents were the result of the individual driver exercising poor judgment under a lack of situational awareness. For this reason, we're highlighting a few of the most common reasons that may increase your likelihood of having an accident.

There are two types of accidents to which security forces responds and those are minor and major vehicle accidents. A minor vehicle accident is any vehicle accident which produces no injuries and acute damage to the vehicle. A major vehicle accident is one which causes bodily injury, a fatality or property damage. This includes damages to vehicles or property that exceeds $10,000 or a vehicle becomes so damaged the operator is unable to drive it. 

Most recently, we have experienced heavy rainfall with the first major storms of the winter season. As a result, a driver's visibility may be impaired. Wet weather conditions with standing water in some areas also will directly impact a vehicle's traction and control on the road.

To help mitigate these factors, conduct a check of the automobile's equipment. Ensure your vehicle's headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers are all working properly and without defect. This will increase visibility during inclement weather and afford better control of the vehicle. Check the tread wear and condition of the vehicle's tires. Also remember to adjust speed and increase spacing distance relative to other vehicles while driving for better reaction time and braking distances on wet surfaces.  

Avoid distractions. Driving your vehicle is not the time to put on make-up, text, talk on a cellphone, or adjust the radio. These are a few examples of distractive activities that may decrease situational awareness. Even if it's for just a second or two, that's all it takes to incur a collision. A driver's only task is to stay alert, drive responsibly and get to your destination safely. 

Don't drive fatigued. On average, there are more than 100,000 accidents every year in the U.S. due to drowsy drivers. Some studies have even suggested that driving while fatigued is more impairing than alcohol. Drivers who are are tired with heavy eyelids should pull over and give themselves a break. Avoid long drives after work and get some rest instead. Drivers might even consider calling a friend to pick them up. 

Do not drink and drive. Although this should go without saying, some continue to exercise poor judgment and get behind the wheel after having a couple of rounds. When deciding to drink, make sure there is a plan to get home safely without driving.
Whether or not others are not harmed in a collision, those found to be under the influence of alcohol while driving can destroy their careers and impact the lives of those closest to them. Remember to use the wingman concept and have a designated driver. If a wingman is not available, call Airmen Against Drunk Driving at 424-2233.

Slow down. Speeding and driving aggressively reduces the amount of time a driver may have to safely react and control the vehicle. In many cases, this sole factor hampered the driver's ability to avoid a collision. This applies not only to main throughways, but also within parking areas. It is not uncommon for drivers to be too hasty in finding a parking spot that they wind up in a nasty fender-bender instead. 

In the end, security forces is here to ensure the safety of all Golden Bears in the Travis community. We urge everyone to drive more defensively and never assume the other driver is going to obey the traffic laws. If you witness any unsafe acts by another driver, gather as much detail as you safely can and report the incident to your Travis Emergency Control Center at 424-2800.